Zuccardi Serie A Malbec – Magna Cum Laude

100% Malbec from Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina.

SRP of $15 and available for as low as $12. Imported by Wine Sellers Ltd. Sample submitted for review.

From the bottle:

“The Zuccardi Serie A range demonstrates the richness and diversity of Argentina’s many micro-climates and soils. Serie A stands for ‘Argentina Series’ as the way of expressing our most representative grape varieties by recognizing the best growing regions specific to each, and selecting top vineyard site along the foothills of the Andes Mountains.

This Malbec has a purple-black color and is bursting with blackcurrant and plum aromas. It is full-bodied with rich black cherry and chocolate notes and a velvety finish. All grapes are from estate vineyards in the Uco Valley, an exceptional area for Malbec, with the perfect combination of altitude and stony soils with large rock deposits, giving the wine fresh, spicy notes and structured, yet soft, tannins.

14% Alcohol”

As we are wont to do, we couldn’t help but make a little play on words (or more accurately letters) with the title of today’s post. In actuality the “A” in this wine’s name stands for Argentina. And Argentina, as everyone knows, stands for Malbec. As it turns out this wine is a great representation of both.

The 2012 Zuccardi Serie A Malbec needs a bit of air to open up but when it does it features an excellent aroma of lavender, plum, black and red cherry, spice and even a little mint and tobacco. Tasting reveals lots of deep and juicy dark fruit with nice contrasts of black pepper and spice. 70% of the wine was aged in oak barrels for 10 months and it adds just the right touch. Smooth, delicious and very well balanced, it may not be terribly complex but it’s a pleasure to drink. It ends dry and long with more juicy fruit and lots of lingering spice. Highly recommended!

See a listing of local retailers selling this wine here.